Sean Sullivan, pitching like his hair’s on fire. - Photos by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

The Alibrandis eased closer to first place in their division as they trumped the Bulldogs last Wednesday evening in a shut out game. Pitcher Sean Sullivan had four strikeouts in the game and currently has an ERA of 1.25. Sullivan’s pitches include a two-seam fastball on the inside corner to righties mixed with change-ups here and there. “I use the slider and two-seamer primarily, always trying to keep hitters off balance,” Sullivan said.

Somerville struck early in the first inning. Mike Maguire was on first base after getting walked when Ted Dzuiba stepped up to the plate and knocked an RBI double to drive in Maguire and make it 1-0. From that point on the Alibrandis fought hard to keep the Bulldogs off the bases. Several batters from each team were left stranded on the bases after each inning. In the top of the fifth inning the Alibrandis almost lost their lead. One of the batters from the Bulldogs hit a grounder to the first baseman and it slipped through. Someone in the Malden dugout commented, “he pulled a Dorn,” referring to Roger Dorn’s olay-type-of-play from the movie Major League. Assistant Manager and second baseman Bernie Driscoll said, “Matt Deeb did a great job of hitting a single up the middle in the sixth inning, stealing second, getting to third on the over-throw, and that’s how we got the second run.”

An Alibrandis bat goes to work.

The Alibrandis hope to clinch the division with the remaining games of the season. Last year at this time they were in the same position coming into the post-season. “I think we’re starting to catch a run and we’re all starting to play good together,” Driscoll said.